Mercedes-Benz C-Class Drops Hood Ornament

Hood ornament death applies only to U.S. models, but could this spread worldwide, and to more of the Mercedes-Benz lineup?

A great icon has fallen. Easy, we’re not referring to the actual Mercedes-Benz C-Class itself, but rather an important historical piece long tied to the model.

Yep, the legendary hood ornament that has stood proudly, planted right there above the grille, is no more. According to Car and Driver, the hood ornament is part of a number of minor updates made to the C-Class for the 2018 model year.

Apparently, it’s part of Mercedes-Benz’ strategy to give the model a performance-oriented and more youthful appeal. Starting with the 2018 model, the C-Class will only be offered in the States the Sport styling.

The Sport appearance package includes Mercedes’ larger grille-mounted Mercedes emblem, a styling offering that, in the past, has been limited to the German carmaker’s roadsters, coupes, and trucks.

CHECK OUT: How the Forum is Mourning this Loss

The Luxury package, which is available as a $350 option on the 2017 C300 and C350e sedans in the U.S., will still be offered with the hood ornament in Europe. But in the States, buyers will have to opt for an E-Class sedan or wagon to retain the classic hood ornament. Ironically, the S-Class’ AMG variants keep their hood ornaments.

We predict the staple Mercedes hood ornament could slowly but surely find itself disappearing altogether as the competition to appeal to younger buyers becomes a priority with other Mercedes-Benz models.